Pronunciation: [pˈɛnθi͡ə] (IPA) 
The word "Penthea" is spelled phonetically as /penθiə/, with the stress on the second syllable. The first syllable is pronounced as "pen" with a short /e/ sound, while the second syllable is pronounced as "thia" with a long /i/ sound. The letter "a" at the end of the word is pronounced as the schwa sound /ə/. The spelling of "Penthea" is based on the Greek origin of the name, which means "possessed by grief."
Penthea refers to a character in John Ford's play titled "The Broken Heart," which was written and first performed in the early 17th century. Penthea is one of the main female characters in the play and serves as a tragic figure who undergoes immense suffering and emotional turmoil.
In the play, Penthea is portrayed as a virtuous and innocent woman who is trapped in an unhappy marriage. She is depicted as a victim of societal norms and expectations, as her feelings and desires are suppressed for the sake of duty and obedience. Penthea is seen as a symbol of oppressive social structures that restrict women's agency and happiness.
Throughout the play, Penthea experiences various forms of emotional anguish, which include longing for freedom, unrequited love, and the loss of her beloved brother. As a result, she gradually withdraws from the world and becomes inwardly tormented. Penthea's tragic fate ultimately leads her to a devastating end, highlighting the consequences of suppressing one's emotions and desires.
Furthermore, Penthea's character represents the themes of love, sacrifice, and suffering in Ford's play. She encapsulates the turmoil of repressed desires and the consequences of societal constraints on individual happiness. Penthea's story serves as a cautionary tale about the negative effects of denying oneself emotional fulfillment and pursuing a life devoid of personal agency.
